As
an official agent of SAN Parks (South Africa National Parks)
we have an extensive knowledge of all parks and services
offered. LB Safaris are therefore able to pre-book all accommodations,
including game drives and other activities or services.
We also include free advice of all services offered.
Should
you be interested to include Augrabies into your intended
holiday after reading the information below, please do
not hesitate to request
a free and personalized travel advice and price estimate.
As acknowledged incoming tour operator for Southern Africa
LB Safaris will gladly assist you in fine-tuning your
travel wishes!
Few
sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water
thundering down the 56-m Augrabies Waterfall when the
Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called
it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise,
as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky
surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange
River Gorge. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat
and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region.
Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark
silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in
a strangely unique environment where only those that are
able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares
on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange
River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from
the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok,
gemsbok and giraffe.
Areas
of special interest include:
The Falls: As the Orange River approaches Augrabies Falls
it divides itself into numerous channels before cascading
down the 56 meter high waterfall. The river then continues
its path through an 18 kilometer gorge. The sight and sound
of the power of the water will not be easily forgotten.
Moon
Rock: A massive exfoliation dome or “whaleback”
which is a prominent landmark of Augrabies Falls. Walking
to the summit will give one of the best views of the park
and its surroundings.
Swart
Rante: These foreboding black hills are another distinct
landmark in Augrabies. Quartz-poor, these igneous rocks
seem to form a natural border between the harsh environment
of the gorge area and a more fertile area on the other side.
The contrast between the two landscapes can best be seen
from the top of Swart Rante.
Oranjekom
& Ararat: These viewpoints give visitors the best opportunity
to observe the massive gorge area as well as the wildlife
that makes it their home. Essential to spot are the nesting
Verreaux’s (Black) Eagles, which prey on the abundant
rock hyrax populations, as well as the Cape clawless otter
which are sometimes seen below in the river in the morning
or late afternoon.
Echo
Corner: The furthest view point from the Rest Camp, the
road to Echo Corner takes you through some of the park’s
most stunning scenery. As the name implies a long-lasting
echo can be produced. This is also the starting point for
the Gariep 3-In-1 Adventure
5
Things To Seek
Rock hyrax (dassie)
Broadley’s Flat Lizard
Klipspringer
Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle
African Fish Eagle
Activities
Waterfall
viewpoints walking distance from the restaurant complex.
Game viewing at leisure using own vehicle.
Klipspringer Hiking Trail: 3 days, 2 nights and a maximum
of 12 persons per group, and minimum of 2 persons per
group. Advance booking essential. Closed October to March
due to heat. Tariffs.
Dassie Nature Trail: This 5k self-guided hiking trail
leads you on a circular route starting at the Rest Camp,
following along the gorge to Arrow Point, then heading
out into the veld by the Potholes and Moonrock before
heading back to the Rest Camp. Information brochures which
include a map and information about various points along
the trail are available at reception.
Arrow Point (one hour)
Potholes (one hour)
Moon Rock (one hour)
Night drives: minimum 4 persons required to secure, subject
to availability.
Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure: This is a three-part adventure
comprising canoeing for 3 km down the mighty Orange River,
walking for 4 km and returning to camp by mountain bike
(11 km). Contact the park with enquiries and for reservations.
Mountainbikes are allowed inside the park provided cyclists
remain on the official roads. Bikes can be rented at the
park but daily availability may vary and it is advisable
to bring your own mountainbikes.
The Wilderness Road is 94km long and will take approximately
6 hours to complete in a 4x4 vehicle. There is a scenic
picnic spot halfway along the road with ablution and braai
facilities.
Several panoramic viewpoints can be visited inside the
park, all of which give stunning vistas of the park, the
gorge and the Orange River. These points also provide
great opportunities to spot our local birdlife.
